Welcome

Tth’ihwum m’i ‘ewu i’ Xetthecum sii’em. Welcome to Xetthecum, an ecologically and culturally significant place on Galiano Island, which lies within the Salish Sea. Known as Retreat Cove in English, this is a place endeared to many. Elders and community members have shared their stories of these cherished lands and waters, while others have helped to document the many species that make their home here. Our aim with this story map is to engage you all as visitors, to learn about the rich biodiversity and cultural values of this special place, so that you can contribute to restoring and protecting it.

Bird’s eye view of Xetthecum

The Caves at Xetthecum

Many people know about the sandstone caves of Xetthecum, which attract people in large numbers throughout the year. However, few are aware that this area holds great cultural significance to Puneluxutth’ and other Hul’q’umi’num-speaking peoples, and that the caves are of particular spiritual importance. Over the last decade, the caves have become an increasingly popular tourist destination, and are consequently becoming degraded by vandalism and overuse. Concerned community members hope that the caves might some day be protected. Until then, this sacred site remains at serious risk of being irreversibly damaged.

Caves at Xetthecum

Respect and Protect

“We must protect the food sources. There are a lot of foods and medicines that are no longer there anymore.”* Puneluxutth’ elder Thiyaas (Florence James)

Puneluxutth’ elders hold a deep and ancient knowledge about the plants, animals, places and ceremonies of their people, and have emphasized the need to protect and respect important cultural places such as the caves at Xetthecum. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this place, while respecting the need to protect it from overuse and damage. Please respect all signage, do not trespass, and know that with these actions you are participating in the important work of reconciliation. Thank you. Huy’ch’qa!

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of respect and gratitude, we acknowledge that Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island lies within the trans-boundary region of the Salish Sea, a diverse bioregion that has been tended to and cherished by Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial. Galiano Island is held within the shared, asserted, and unceded traditional territories of the Puneluxutth’, Lamalcha, and Hwlitsum First Nations, as well as the shared, asserted, and ceded traditional territories of Tsawwassen First Nation. We also acknowledge the territories of all other Hul’q’umi’num-speaking peoples who hold rights and responsibilities in this region.

This project is a work in progress and we are learning and fumbling together as we go. Please be in touch with us with any thoughts, questions or ideas regarding what you see here.

Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island, BC, Canada

Xetthecum

Xetthecum (Retreat Cove), Galiano Island, BC, Canada

To some, the area known as Xetthecum refers strictly to Retreat Cove. Yet in the landscape context, where everything is connected, its boundaries might be expanded to include the greater extent of the Greig Creek Watershed, including the creek which runs from Laughlin Lake to the cove. This watershed spans residential and agricultural lands, protected and covenanted areas, as well as public amenities such as a shore access and public dock. Complex in its ecology, cultural history, and contemporary land-use, this landscape is a vibrant mosaic with many intersecting ways of life, weaving together both human and more-than-human worlds.

From here, you are welcome to explore Xetthecum’s ecological communities, including their biodiversity and cultural values as shared by community members, or continue along the lines of this narrative by clicking the right arrow.